Victorian teachers' strike: The stand-off continues

A NUMBER of public schools have closed across the
Bendigo region today as teachers, principals and support staff take part in the
biggest industrial action in Victoria's history.

Fifteen schools have closed with at least 25 opening with skeleton
staff. It's estimated up to 400 schools have closed across the state.

Today's strike marks the first time support staff have joined
teachers as they campaign for better pay and job security.

Teachers are fighting for a 30 per cent pay rise over three years, a
maximum class size of 20 kids, a 50 per cent reduction in the number of short
term contracts and a reduced work load.

The state government is offering performance-based pay for
70 per cent of teachers, an annual pay rise of 2.5 per cent, a 20 per cent
reduction in teachers who move up the pay scale every year and to increase the
average secondary school teacher's workload by one hour every week.

It's believed about 5000
staff from Catholic schools will also walk off the job in support of their
public school counterparts.